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Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

#31
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3/23/09 at 11:30am
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

I'm definitely interested in helping out in whatever way possible members here at HTF can contribute! Paypal sounds like a good conduit if you can make it work. I'll contribute double for IAMMMMWorld too =)

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#32
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3/23/09 at 11:37am
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Posten
I'm definitely interested in helping out in whatever way possible members here at HTF can contribute! Paypal sounds like a good conduit if you can make it work. I'll contribute double for IAMMMMWorld too =)

Thank you, Sam. As I noted in an earlier post, some of the technology that we're creating for The Alamo is also necessary for Mad World, so the two projects dovetail nicely.

RAH

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did."  T.E. Lawrence

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#33
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3/23/09 at 1:45pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Hello Mr Harris!

Long time admirer, first time poster.

I know your team is exploring every available avenue but, to put my oar in, I wonder if some sort of subscription service would be an option? Back in the 1950s it was fairly common practice for smaller record labels to fund Classical Music recordings basically by selling them in advance. I'd love to help support the project no matter how donations are ultimately accepted but I wouldn't mind buying my Blu-Ray copy up front at a special subscription price--especially knowing that the purchase helped to fund the restoration.

I realize it's more complicated than just accepting donations but just my $.02

Dave
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#34
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3/23/09 at 2:03pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Quote:
Originally Posted by dcarty
Hello Mr Harris!

Long time admirer, first time poster.

I know your team is exploring every available avenue but, to put my oar in, I wonder if some sort of subscription service would be an option? Back in the 1950s it was fairly common practice for smaller record labels to fund Classical Music recordings basically by selling them in advance. I'd love to help support the project no matter how donations are ultimately accepted but I wouldn't mind buying my Blu-Ray copy up front at a special subscription price--especially knowing that the purchase helped to fund the restoration.

I realize it's more complicated than just accepting donations but just my $.02

Dave

Interesting idea and approach...

Possibly a special Blu-ray along with some 70mm frames of film for contributions above a certain reasonable amount.

Thanks for the input.

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did."  T.E. Lawrence

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#35
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3/23/09 at 3:23pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

I mentioned this many years ago in reference to a
proposed "Mad World" restoration:

Would Martin Scorsese's Film Foundation accept
donations tagged for a specific project?

The Film Foundation
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#36
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3/23/09 at 8:24pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennis Gallagher
I mentioned this many years ago in reference to a
proposed "Mad World" restoration:

Would Martin Scorsese's Film Foundation accept
donations tagged for a specific project?

The Film Foundation

The Film Foundation has its own agenda and list of films.

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did."  T.E. Lawrence

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#37
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3/24/09 at 2:34am
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Dear Robert,

We spoke on the phone many years ago (early 90´s) about the restoration of Lawrence (when I called you from Copenhagen, I will never forget that illuminating conversation, also since we got interrupted by a thunderstorm which knocked out the entire NYC powergrid).

I am really happy to see that this particular project will FINALLY go forward, not a moment to soon and hopefully not to late....

Are you in contact with the editor of in70mm.com about the current project?

It would be fantastic at the end of this whole project if you could come to the International Copenhagen 70mm film festival next year and present the film.

I wish you and your team all the best for the work ahead!

A question: why the decision to scan to Vistavision instead of 65mm?

Many thanks,

Ole ALstrup
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#38
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3/24/09 at 5:30am
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alstrup
Dear Robert,

We spoke on the phone many years ago (early 90´s) about the restoration of Lawrence (when I called you from Copenhagen, I will never forget that illuminating conversation, also since we got interrupted by a thunderstorm which knocked out the entire NYC powergrid).

I am really happy to see that this particular project will FINALLY go forward, not a moment to soon and hopefully not to late....

Are you in contact with the editor of in70mm.com about the current project?

I'm certain that Thomas is aware, or will be shortly.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alstrup
It would be fantastic at the end of this whole project if you could come to the International Copenhagen 70mm film festival next year and present the film.

Agreed, as well as Bradford and others.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Alstrup
I wish you and your team all the best for the work ahead!

A question: why the decision to scan to Vistavision instead of 65mm?

Many thanks,

Ole ALstrup

Scanning the cut scenes in Vista, as we need to copy from the 70mm print, and the Eastman duping stock is not produced in 65mm. VVLA is the closest we can get.

RAH

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did."  T.E. Lawrence

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#39
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3/24/09 at 12:08pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Count me as someone who would be more than happy, thrilled even, to make a donation towards the funding of this restoration.
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#40
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3/24/09 at 1:44pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Hi there.

I very rarely post here and - to be 100% honest - haven't even seen The Alamo, I am ashamed to say. However I am fully aware of its place in film history and would love to contribute something via PayPal. I'm sure with the combined generosity of many of us film fanatics out there a PayPal contribution system could actually generate quite a bit of funding for this restoration.

Cheers,

- John
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#41
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3/24/09 at 9:47pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Wonderful, it's obvious how exciting this project is just looking at the number of new members posting right here.

I might not be able to donate much but I will send a few dollars
as soon as it is set up.
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#42
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3/29/09 at 12:02pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

I'll help any way I can; count me in too.
So many films, so little time...
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#43
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4/2/09 at 1:30pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Robert, Do you know at this time if you will be able to have the original studio opening logos attached or will they want the new version attached?
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#44
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4/2/09 at 5:22pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Robert,

I, too, am very pleased to hear about your work on The Alamo. I have been very impressed with your work on restoring Lawrence of Arabia, The Godfather and The Godfather Part II.

Would you by any chance have information regarding a possible 4K restoration of The Bridge on the River Kwai? It's my favorite David Lean film, and I always felt it could use a new restoration.
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#45
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4/2/09 at 8:02pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Powell&Pressburger
Robert, Do you know at this time if you will be able to have the original studio opening logos attached or will they want the new version attached?

There were no logos.

RAH

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did."  T.E. Lawrence

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#46
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4/2/09 at 8:03pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Quote:
Originally Posted by wpatterson

Would you by any chance have information regarding a possible 4K restoration of The Bridge on the River Kwai? It's my favorite David Lean film, and I always felt it could use a new restoration.

Kwai is in good hands at Columbia.

RAH

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did."  T.E. Lawrence

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#47
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4/3/09 at 12:07pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Harris
There were no logos.

RAH

Hmmm...interesting, Robert. Considering UA logos up until at least the 1960s were scarcely used at all..I could be wrong. Of course, today, in 2009, we'd see the MGM logo followed by the new UA logo as seen in "Valkyrie" (minus the MGM byline, of course).
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#48
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4/4/09 at 1:55pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Any UA films I've seen in repertory theaters made prior to the 1967 Transamerica acquisition have had no logos either. I've only seen 35mm prints of The Sweet Smell of Success, Some Like it Hot and West Side Story, but none of them had a logo.

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#49
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4/5/09 at 11:32am
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Mr Harris,

I'm very excited to learn that you are involved in a new restoration project. I do appreciate all the work you did so far, and although by now I never had the chance to watch THE ALAMO - I'm just too young -, I'm sure this will be a new highlight, especially when there is a chance to do it in 70mm also for projection purpose. Berlin Festival's Retrospective earlier this year proved a deep interest in this format from a very young audience that, by now, did not have a chance of a regular 70mm-experience.

By the way, being not too familiar with restoration techniques, maybe you could explain to me why it is necessary first to print elements to Vistavision duping stock before scanning it (I'm aware of your remarks to Ole Alstrup earlier in this thread). Does this mean that available scanners are not able to handle 70mm release prints properly for a direct scan?

Yours very truly, all the best for your future work

Klaus
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#50
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4/6/09 at 10:00am
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

And yet another link:

Robert Siegel's Golden Hollywood - The Alamo

This one from the Bits, and care of Robert Siegel.

RAH

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did."  T.E. Lawrence

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#51
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4/6/09 at 11:33am
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Harris
And yet another link:

Robert Siegel's Golden Hollywood - The Alamo

This one from the Bits, and care of Robert Siegel.

RAH

That's fine work by Robert; this, though it's seven years old now, is also worth a read: ‘Remember the Alamo!’- John Wayne's 'The Alamo'
So many films, so little time...
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#52
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4/8/09 at 11:51am
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Looks like good news! The original article has been updated:
Yellow Layer Failure, Vinegar Syndrome and Miscellaneous Musings by Robert A. Harris

Quote:
You Can Contribute to the Alamo Restoration Effort

We that hope everyone who reads this column will help support Robert Harris' official effort to return The Alamo to its full original glory. The project's charitable sponsor is now accepting contribution checks toward the restoration of the film. (Note that links for credit card and PayPal donations will be available soon - check back here shortly.) All contributions are tax deductible. Contribution checks should be made out payable to...

Jacob Burns Film Center, Inc.

...with the information: "f/b/o Alamo Restoration" in the memo field, normally lower left.

The mailing address is:

Jacob Burns Film Center
405 Manville Road
Pleasantville, NY 10570
Att: Dominick Balletta

count me in as soon as Paypal is a go!

"Sam, you are the biggest nutter we have here."
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#53
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4/9/09 at 3:36am
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Quote:
Originally Posted by John Hodson
That's fine work by Robert; this, though it's seven years old now, is also worth a read: ‘Remember the Alamo!’- John Wayne's 'The Alamo'

The article found with this link is dated 2002 and announces that, back then, you, Robert, and James Katz, had at least announced the intention to restore the Alamo. What, if anything, happened between then and the latest announcement towards its restoration? BTW, I mailed a check with my contribution the first day the Film Center information was announced! Good luck.
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#54
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4/9/09 at 4:44am
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Quote:
Originally Posted by marcuslaw
The article found with this link is dated 2002 and announces that, back then, you, Robert, and James Katz, had at least announced the intention to restore the Alamo. What, if anything, happened between then and the latest announcement towards its restoration? BTW, I mailed a check with my contribution the first day the Film Center information was announced! Good luck.

First allow me to thank you for your contribution.

What has occurred, is that much like The Godfather(s), The Alamo could not be reconstructed or restored without high resolution (4k - 8k) digital tools. To attempt the restoration of a film in a resolution lower than that allowing the harvesting of all information gets you nowhere.

There are half a dozen shots in My Fair Lady, which was restored in 1994 that needed digital tools. Today those shots stand out as lower resolved and are best replaced and upgraded.

RAH

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did."  T.E. Lawrence

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#55
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4/16/09 at 2:30pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

I hope everything comes together for THE ALAMO. And my dream is to someday (in the not too distant future) we will have a similar thread for IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD.
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#56
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4/17/09 at 5:25am
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

As an update, we're realigning our fundraising effort toward Corporate Sponsorships only. The Jacob Burns Film Center is acting as charitable sponsor, with all contributions tax deductible. A link will be available shortly.

RAH

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did."  T.E. Lawrence

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#57
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4/18/09 at 1:18pm
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

Does that mean that no individuals will be able to contribute? Booo if so! =)

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#58
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4/20/09 at 11:07am
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Re: Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!

I'm curious about this as well. I haven't seen The Alamo yet, but any film (especially one in 70mm) that needs support, albeit financially can get my help.

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#59
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8/15/09 at 8:48pm
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I have only just discovered this forum and thread. It is great to know that this project is underway, but worrying to hear that it is not yet fully funded. I first saw the Alamo in 70mm on the big screen when I was 14 years old! It became an all time favourite of mine and is responsible for a lifetime's interest in film (especially "epics") and film music. I purchased the laser disc version in the 90s and, along with many other people, was disappointed when the incomplete DVD was released. It is most important to me to see the film in it's original form, particularly with the overture, intermission and exit music intact. After having read of the deterioration of the film since the roadshow version was discovered in Toronto, I did not think I would ever see a complete version again - that it may be available in blu-ray is just wonderful!!!

I really hope that funding can be found. As an individual, I would certainly be willing to contribute (an advance order for a limited edition blu-ray sounds a great idea.) Please keep up the good work Mr. Harris, and keep us posted on the funding situation. It would indeed be tragic if the project had to be abandoned.

John.

P.S.: the gap between this and the last post is also worrying! Is there no recent news?

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#60
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8/16/09 at 3:39am
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The most recent news is that we're still seeking aid from corporate sponsors.  Some limited funding has permitted the digital preservation of the original 6-track mix of the general release version.  The audio quality is astounding.

RAH

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did."  T.E. Lawrence

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Home Theater Forum  ›  Forums  ›  Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Downloads  ›  Blu-ray (and Other Hi-Def Software): Film and Documentary  ›  Robert Harris on The Bits: Resurrecting and Restoring the Alamo!